Memphis is a city that loves its meat. We have no fewer than four festivals celebrating meat of some kind, and even though we have options, I get a lot of emails from vegetarian and vegan visitors that feel a little left out when they come to visit.

But fear not, herbivores – Memphis now has an all-vegan cafe.

The Imagine Vegan Cafe opened last week in the old Casablanca space in Cooper-Young. Everything on the large menu – from the burgers to the crab cakes and baked goods – is completely, 100 percent vegan.

That’s not to say that omnivores won’t appreciate Imagine.

When I went last night, I ordered a quesadilla with a side of mac’n’cheese. It was almost impossible to tell that my quesadilla (which was stuffed with bell peppers and onions) wasn’t made with real cheese. The mac’n’cheese was plenty creamy and cheesy. It tasted just like the kind I used to make in college with Velveeta and milk.

I’ll definitely be back to try the vegan corn dog, which will hopefully have the same guilty-pleasure taste as a real one, minus the instant regret.

Most of Imagine’s menu isn’t terribly expensive. Dinner for two (with sides) cost about $20, and most burgers and entrees are priced between $6 and $13.

The space is big and colorful, with plenty of seating at tables or at the bar. It’s lit with twinkle lights and a few overhead lights, and there are battery-operated “candles” on each table. There’s a play area in one corner (with a TV) that would probably be awesome if you have kids, but a little distracting from the restaurant’s overall atmosphere.

Right now, Imagine is open daily for lunch and dinner. They’re working on getting their beer license, and when they do, they plan to offer a large selection.

Author: Holly Whitfield
I write about what’s going on with Memphis music, food, arts, events, sports, people, and culture. Memphians love Elvis and barbeque with a passion that must be seen to be believed, but there is so much more to this place. This blog aims to show that.

5 Comments

I will be there the next time I’m in Memphis. It’s so hard to find meatless places there, this will be welcome. I am use to vegan and vegetarian restaurants every mile or so here in Houston, or places that have plenty of meat and veggies, but Memphis loves their meat and is a real challenge. I wish you well!!

This is one of my favorite veg options in Memphis, not just because EVERYTHING is edible, but because of the atmosphere. The folks will gladly learn your name and remember your face. Even Christian, the only little boy in the bunch of kids, remembers me. They are super friendly and open to suggestions about the food that they serve. They've got some new holiday options (pumpkin pie and Halloween oreo milkshakes) that are phenomenal. Things are constantly changing and always yummy. I <3 it.